succión

Succión refers to the act or process of drawing something in by creating a partial vacuum. This can occur naturally or be mechanically induced. In biology, suction is a fundamental mechanism for many organisms. For example, many invertebrates, such as snails and leeches, use suction to adhere to surfaces or to ingest food. In humans, suction is involved in processes like breathing, where the diaphragm contracts, lowering pressure in the chest cavity and drawing air into the lungs, and in feeding, where infants create negative pressure in their mouths to draw milk from the nipple.

Beyond biological contexts, suction plays a role in various technologies. Suction cups, commonly used for temporary adhesion, operate on the principle of suction. The vacuum created between the cup and the surface expels air, and atmospheric pressure then holds the cup in place. In industry, suction is utilized in vacuum cleaners to remove dirt and debris, in pumps to move fluids, and in manufacturing processes for tasks like lifting and holding objects. Medical applications include suction devices used to clear airways or remove bodily fluids during surgical procedures. The effectiveness of suction is directly related to the magnitude of the pressure difference created.